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The ELPC’s lead attorney on the Line 5 tunnel permit case, Margrethe Kearney, explores the expert takeaways on the climate implications of the Line 5 pipeline tunnel and discusses what's next.

Congress is expected to vote in the coming weeks on the biggest climate legislation we've ever seen. This is a historic opportunity and we need all hands on deck to pass the Build Back Better Act.

This $3.5 trillion reconciliation package would create good jobs, address environmental justice, and begin to tackle the climate crisis with the urgency that science demands. It would invest billions in wind, solar and efficiency to move us toward 100% renewable energy; create a Civilian Climate Corps; invest billions in electric vehicle charging stations and EV rebates; modernize the electrical grid; and make major investments in environmental justice communities. 

But fossil fuel interests are doing everything they can to try to stop the bill and are pressuring Members of Congress to water down this language and climate provisions. These special interests have succeeded in delaying action on climate change for decades. We cannot let them succeed in watering down these bills.

Congress must hear from everyone who supports ambitious climate action right NOW.

With our planet, our children and grandchildren's futures hanging in the balance, we simply cannot afford to squander this opportunity to pass the boldest climate legislation we've seen in our lifetimes.

We Are Running Out of Time to Pass the Budget Reconciliation Package

Now is a critical time to use your voice and make sure your lawmakers know that their constituents demand big, bold investments in climate action. Please take a couple of minutes to call your Members of Congress. Calls like these can make a huge difference, and we will need all pro-climate legislators on board in order to pass this bill, which could be voted on as soon as next week. 

Call your Representatives Today and Report Your Call

Here's what to do:

1. If you don't know your U.S. Representative, look them up here.

2. Then, dial (202) 224-3121. Ask the switchboard operator to connect you directly with your Representative, and then with your Senators Stabenow and Peters.

3. When you reach their office, ask to talk to their policy staff that work on climate change. If you aren't able to speak with them, leave a message.

Below are our suggested talking points to say once you are connected. 

4. Lastly, be sure to REPORT YOUR CALL belowso we know how many calls are getting through!

"Hi, my name is _____. I’m a constituent of yours and I care deeply about climate change. I am calling to urge you to pass the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill with full funding for all climate programs. Michigan is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, like the severe storms and flooding that impacted thousands of people this summer. Climate scientists have made clear with the latest IPCC report that we only have a narrow window to stabilize the climate, and to do so we must pass the climate investments in this budget proposal!

I urge you to support the full $3.5 trillion budget proposal with all climate investments intact, including investments in solar and wind to get us to 100% renewable electricity by 2035; electric vehicle charging stations; a Civilian Climate Corps, and major investments in environmental justice. Thank you for your time!"

 
Thank you for using your voice during this crucial window for federal climate justice action!

With the strength of Detroit's Eco Works legacy and a generation of BIPOC leaders at the ready, Bryan Lewis is ready to leverage this moment. 

In compliance with current state measures designed to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Council on Climate Solutions meetings will be scheduled as virtual meetings held via Microsoft Teams until further notice. You do not need to be a member of an organization or have a Teams account to join a Teams meeting. Meetings are available to the
public for participation via online/phone.

This is a fully virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams. For more details and to join the meeting, click below.  
 

Info and Link Here

In compliance with current state measures designed to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Council on Climate Solutions meetings will be scheduled as virtual meetings held via Microsoft Teams until further notice. You do not need to be a member of an organization or have a Teams account to join a Teams meeting. Meetings are available to the
public for participation via online/phone.

This is a fully virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams. For more details and to join the meeting, click below.  
 

Info and Link Here

Last month, the U.S. House approved a $3.5 trillion budget resolution - a key step toward the goal of ultimately adopting the budget reconciliation package that would be the biggest climate legislation Congress has ever passed.

This happened just weeks after the UN released the latest IPCC report that made clear we have a very narrow window - right now - for serious action to avoid the worst impacts of our overheating planet. Democratic leaders have set a deadline for September 27 to finalize and vote on this bill. We are quickly approaching this critical deadline to essentially save the planet.

Congress is now working furiously to write this bill, and polluting companies are doing everything they can to remove or water down the climate provisions. Once the full bill is drafted, it will go through the budget reconciliation process, which cannot be defeated by a filibuster in the Senate. In just a couple of weeks, we will need every single pro-climate vote and Michigan is a key state. We have to make sure our Members of Congress hear from us right now.

Please take two minutes to tell your Members of Congress to support the reconciliation package that includes major climate funding.

We must have a reconciliation bill that invests billions for wind, solar and efficiency, sets a 100% renewable energy standard, creates a Civilian Climate Corps, invests billions in electric vehicle charging stations and EV rebates, modernize the electrical grid, and makes major investments in environmental justice communities. 

This form uses Google Maps to look up your address. Be precise! For example, do you live on Main St or South Main St? There's a difference. Start typing your address and choose the result. If your address is not working, look it up on Google Maps.

Image credit: Greenbiz.com

We at MICAN believe that our changing climate demands just and equitable action on personal, community, systemic, and global levels. We're glad that you're with us in this important work - the climate movement will be won thanks to individuals like yourself! Please fill out our short form below to let us know how you'd like to take an active role in climate work here in Michigan. 

Fill Out Volunteer Form

Once your form is submitted, we will be in touch shortly to let you know about upcoming opportunities to take action!

We're excited to welcome your participation as we work for climate, jobs, and justice.

MiCAN is currently seeking a Digital Media Intern!

Digital Media Intern 

We are hiring! Are you passionate about climate justice and using social media for digital organizing? Michigan Climate Action Network is looking for a part-time social media intern to help us amplify our message and mobilize Michganders to take climate action.

If you're passionate about solving the climate crisis, are always on top of the latest trending reels and TikToks, and know how powerful the right hashtag, tweet, or IGTV can be, let's talk! 

Type: Part-time, approximately 10 hours per week

Compensation: $600 per month

Contract: Four-months, with option to extend

Location: Remote, ideally based in Michigan

Position open until filled

The Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN) is a statewide network of 76 organizations and thousands of individuals working to solve the climate crisis by building a more powerful movement, elevating climate to be a top priority in our state, and moving forward ambitious and equitable solutions at the local and state level. We have become one of the largest networks and leading voices for climate action in Michigan. 

MiCAN internships support the ongoing work of our programs, while cultivating the expertise and professional experience of the next generation of leaders. We strive to give our interns an opportunity to gain experience in this field, develop their skills, and contribute in meaningful ways. We also provide our interns with support and guidance from our dynamic and experienced staff. This intern will focus on growing our digital media platforms to reach younger audiences.

Job Description: 

The Digital Media Intern will work closely with MiCAN’s Digital Media Manager to develop and launch a social media ambassador program, recruiting and training a small team of volunteers to contribute to our Instagram feed. The intern may also help us expand to other platforms like TikTok, and provide support in other areas of digital communications.

This work will help build what is already among the largest and most successful social media platforms in Michigan, with over 30,000 combined followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and a reach of more than 1 million each year. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with community engagement, creating, and managing social media posts, especially creating reels on Instagram;
• Developing the social media ambassador’s program with the MiCAN team;
• Identifying, recruiting, training, and coordinating youth volunteers to become social media ambassadors and contribute posts and stories to Instagram and other platforms;
• Monitoring progress, testing strategies, and making changes to increase success. 

Personal and Professional Qualifications:

• Comfort and ease with social media platforms, developing effective social media posts, and digital marketing strategies;
• Strong interpersonal communications and willingness to recruit and train volunteers;
• Commitment to climate and justice;
• Self-directed working approach and initiative.

To apply: send a resume and short writing or social media sample to [email protected]

MiCAN is committed to creating a diverse workplace and seeks a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. People of color, persons with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. MiCAN is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.

Funding would address critical clean drinking water improvements, build climate-resilient infrastructure across Michigan.

In this special episode, hear from three incredible leaders from the state of Michigan talking about climate and clean energy; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, administrators Liesl Clark, Director, Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Katherine Peretick, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission.

MiCAN is recognizing the Michiganders doing exceptional climate and justice work with these new awards, which are based off of community nominee submissions and recognizes some of the dedicated professionals, activists, and young people doing the hard work of moving Michigan toward a just and sustainable future. 

Recipients were honored at this year's virtual Michigan Climate and Clean Energy Summit, and we are excited to share this year's incredible winners.

The Climate Champion Award goes to a professional working for an organization, a municipality, or business in Michigan

The recipient of this award is Dr. Denise Keele, a founding member and director of both Western Michigan University's Climate Change Working Group and the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (KCCC).  Dr. Keele has focused her teaching, scholarship, and professional service to educating students and helping other faculty learn about the climate crisis. She has inspired countless students to pursue careers related to climate change. 

As one person who nominated her wrote, “Dr. Keele devotes her professional life to championing the cause of addressing the climate crisis.  She does so in a way that profoundly models inclusion, collaboration, education, and political transformation.” AND “Denise’s infectious energy and enthusiasm have motivated many hundreds of people throughout southwest Michigan – who otherwise would have remained silent - to act on climate change.”

Congratulations Dr. Keele!

The Climate Action Award goes to a person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

We are thrilled to award Theresa Landrum, a community organizer and activist, has been fighting against Environmental injustices over twenty years. Theresa Landrum was appointed by the Governor to the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice (MAC-EJ) She also is the Community Education Specialist for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition’s Clean Air Council. Theresa Landrum is a life-long Detroiter, and is one of the strongest community activists in Southwest Detroit 48217.  

As a person who nominated her said,” Theresa is doing the work that NEEDS to be done, work that many are afraid to do. She does it WELL! With grace, yet fire that allows the job to get done! She’s amazing and she also teaches, Instills, and inspires so many others.”

Congratulations Theresa!

The Young Climate Leader Award goes to a student or other young person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

Congratulations to the winner of this award, Dolores Perales, for her work as a vocal advocate for climate and justice and working closely with the community to develop and sustain green placemaking projects. She also helps facilitate sustainability-based research in partnership with local high schools and universities.

One of the many people to nominate Dolores wrote “As a classmate of Dolores', I've learned so much from her, and watch her work tirelessly to fundraise and promote events that educate our community. She is an inspiration and deserves the Young Climate Leader award.”

Congratulations Dolores!

These awards were made possible by a generous grant from The Colina Foundation. 

This special episode discusses the Michigan Climate & Clean Energy Summit on May 24-27. This year we have decided to combine two successful events - the Michigan Climate Action Summit and Groundwork’s Michigan Clean Energy Conference - into one big digital event.

Esosa Aimufua, an associate attorney at Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC on why Global Warming Matters for Line 5 Permitting.

LaUra Schmidt is co-founder of the Good Grief Network, a nonprofit organization that creates community space to process the painful feelings and realities of our time.

In a historic decision, the Michigan Public Service Commissioners (MPSC) ruled to include the impacts of climate change in their review of Enbridge's proposed oil tunnel! 

Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) ruled that climate change considerations may be included in Enbridge’s Line 5 permit hearing.